The Kansas Association of Broadcasters Foundation, is a 501c 3 not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the educational activities of the KAB. It was established by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters in 2003, and along with the KAB, has provided more than $315,000 to 350 Kansas students in the past 22 years.

The KAB has a grand tradition of service to its members and to the communities they serve. The KAB represents 90% of the state’s radio stations and 100% of its television stations. Active membership includes 280 licensed TV and radio stations. It is governed by a 12-member board, independent from the Foundation’s board of approximately the same size.

Broadcasting in Kansas enjoys a rich and colorful history, which began in 1922 when Wichita’s KFKB (Kansas First Kansas Best) became the first station to go on the air. Since that time hundreds of radio and television stations have provided news, entertainment, and support for the communities they serve. The KAB was established in 1951 and a few highlights since then include:

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Securing a state sales tax exemption for digital expansion (2006)

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Implementing the Emergency Alert System that results in real time coverage of tornado and other disaster information (1997)

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Responding to the new FCC rules, KAB established EEO One Source-an on-line record keeping system (2004)

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Producing “Careers in Broadcasting,” a national award-winning recruitment video (1996)

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Establishing the Kansas Amber Alert system that results in recovery of abducted children (2002)

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Winning a Presidential Citation for an on-air initiative to combat drunk driving and alcohol/drug abuse (1985)

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Establishing the Kansas Broadcasting Hall of Fame (2000)

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Moving the office from Wichita to Topeka (1982)

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Receiving an Excellence Award from the US Department of Health and Human Services for community service (1999)